you should really go the route of custom firmware, it's completely free.So I have an old 3DS on fw 9.2 and a 3DS XL on 9.2 as well. The o3ds has the Cubic Ninja hack installed and working.
I've been watching the 3DS hacking scene on and off for a LONG time and decided it might be time to make a move. I was thinking about getting either a Sky3DS plus (orange button) or going the CFW route. I see the logic in the Sky3DS plus..... seems to work on any firmware (same for the Gateway?). Sure, changing games with the Sky SORTA sucks but it's doable. Does the GW still need an internet connection to work its magic?
For the CFW, I was looking at going the Luma/A9LH route and found this guide: https://github.com/Plailect/Guide/wiki but good God man.......... 312 steps and if you muck something up, insta-brick. Popping in a Sky3DS card seems WAY WAY easier. Plus, it seems that installing CIA files takes a LONG time vs. just copying over 3DS files to a MicroSD card and sliding it into the Sky3DS.
Is the 4,000 step process to install Luma (and slow ass .CIA install times) worth it? My youngest daughter is just now getting into the 3DS and on long road trips, it sure would be nice to have a single 3DS and 1 cart vs her ever growing bag of DS/3DS games she now lugs around.
I like the option of CIA installs since they'll appear right on the main menu and no orange buttons to push to cycle through the games 1 by 1 but all these complaints I read about slow install times for CIA files worries me.
Thoughts/opinions welcomed, thanks!
Gateway only required internet once to be setup once, in some cases I think.
yes, Plailect's guide is long, but it's long because it's safe and makes sure your console doesn't brick in most cases. I'm sure you'd do fine with it.
you can use things like freeShop (or CIAs) to install games. yes it can be long for larger CIAs, but it's not really much longer than copying roms to a flash cart. buying an expensive flash cart just to shave off a few minutes off copying/installing is not worth it since you usually just install/copy once. I have a Sky3DS+ yet I don't use it much anymore outside of exploit games, CIAs/digital games are so much more convenient.
Last edited by ihaveahax,